You&meTraveling2

Jambiani, Zanzibar, Tanzania Stone Town is wonderful but it's not a place to relax. For that, you best go to Zanzibar's east coast, to Jambiani, for example. The beaches are endless, the sand whiter than anywhere else, and the water shades of blue and turquoise you can't even imagine. In short, it looks a lot like paradise. Finding a Place to Stay Jambiani's (very long) beach is lined with hotels and guesthouses. Behind those, there's the village. Then there's some bushes and trees and then the main road. That means, that from the main road, you can't see the hotels. You don't see them when you're in the village either. The bus - a dala-dala - will drop you somewhere in the village. A privat taxi (more expensive but it drives even when not full) will bring you to the hotel. If you booked, that is, and can call the hotel, because some places are very hard to find. Otherwise, the taxi driver will most likely take you to two or three places he knows. Fo...

Tanzania Traders used to travel the route by ship, we took the plane: From Muscat to Zanzibar. Coming from Oman, we really noticed Omani influence in Zanzibar. The archipelago of Zanzibar is made up of the big islands of Unguja, commonly known as Zanzibar, and Pemba, as well as many small islands. In 1698, the archipelago came under the control of the Sultanate of Oman but even before that, Arab traders had settled on the islands which were a convenient base for trade with the Swahili Coast towns, Arabia, and India. In the 19th century, the British gradually gained power but Omani influence remained strong. Zanzibar was an important trade center for slaves, ivory, and spices. Today, Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania and although the spice export is still important, tourism is one of the main industries. Getting to Zanzibar Zanzibar City has an international airport and although it's small, old (despite that it seems unfinished), and has no shops whatsoever, many airlin...

Getting around in Oman  Oman is a great country to visit. It's safe and people are very friendly and helpful and open to foreign cultures. The country has a long history of trade and for thousands of years has been an important trading port and a meeting point of cultures. Nevertheless, tradition is still very strong and important in Oman and it's essential that foreigners behave accordingly and dress modestly; Omanis will appreciate it. The best time to visit is between November and March. From April to October it's very (very!) hot and humid, so these months are best avoided. High season is in December and January, especially around Christmas and New Year. Money Oman is usually seen as an expensive destination. However, what's expensive is accommodation, although outside high season, you can always bargain at hotels. Tours with guides and drivers are also very pricey. Food and rental cars, on the other hand, are inexpensive (and the food is good!); fuel is cheap, and ...

 Oman Jebel Shams, the "mountain of the sun" is, with over 3000 meters above sea level, Oman's highest mountain. Right next to it, cutting through the mountains, is Wadi Ghul, creating what is known as the Grand Canyon of Oman. Up the Mountain The highest peak is military area and access is therefore restricted. It's possible to hike to the second highest peak (just 3 meters short of 3000 masl) but it's a long and demanding hike that takes 10 to 12 hours. Most people just drive up to the Jebel Shams plateau to enjoy the cool climate (especially in summer; in winter it can get pretty cold) and the amazing views down into the canyon. The gorgeous drive up the mountain alone is worth the trip. The road is partly unpaved and even though it is possible to drive up in a normal car, a 4WD with high ground clearance is preferable. From Muscat, it's a 3-hour drive through   Nizwa   and Al Hamra and then up the mountain. It can be done as a long day trip from Muscat but...